As a disappointing league campaign in 2021/22 for Lille winds down, U.S. national team winger Tim Weah continues to start regularly and contribute to the attack.
Weah scored his first league goal of the season Saturday afternoon, receiving the ball after his teammate Isaac Lihadji harried a defender and made a deft touch to put Weah in on goal. Weah dribbled into the 18-yard box and scored with a clean finish.
Weah also assisted the equalizer from Canadian striker Jonathan David in the 52nd minute. Weah found some space and sped toward the touchline, driving a pass low toward David, who directed it into the top corner from short range.
Lille came from behind of a 31st-minute goal from Justin Kluivert to win 3-1. Lille is in 10th place in Ligue 1, with one match remaining and an opportunity to jump over Nantes for ninth.
The goal for Weah is his first league goal of the season in Ligue 1. He’s been fairly inconsistent over the 2021/22 season, but the 22-year-old has notched a career high in assists with five. He’s also showed versatility in coach Jocelyn Gourvennec’s lineup, playing on either winger and occasionally at center forward.
Lille has put forth a poor showing this season, falling far short of expectations in missing the place for any European competition. The club won the French league last season, with Weah playing in 28 matches and scoring three goals. His role has expanded in 2021/22 with 28 appearances so far, and a career high in minutes played with 1,528. Weah has stayed healthy, too, missing only seven league games to injury.
Other positions in Gregg Berhalter’s USMNT lineup seem to be in question, with a rash of injuries at centerback and Weston McKennie missing the final stretch of the club season. However, the wings are strong points, with Weah and Christian Pulisic coming into good form to finish 2021/22.
Lille will finish the season next weekend, facing Rennes at home at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday.
Really hope he starts next season off really good.